Mother Knows Best
Author's Note: Thank you for all your feedback. Every review makes my day. For those of you interested, I just posted a new story called Damn Roses on my profile.It's my first attempt at a Yaoi. (If you don't like Yaoi, please ignore it lol.) For those interested, I have a picture of Hinata's Introduction gown.
Thank you: This story has reached over 1000 visitors J
Chapter 7: Hinata's Introduction
Sasuke meets Hinata at the entrance to the Introduction. They would descend down a grand staircase. Hinata had done up her hair in an elegant bun and was wearing the white rose in it. She wore a sleeveless gown with a modest neckline. About three quarters of it was golden in color and the bottom was white. It was subtle but the effect was stunning. (Particularly on Hinata's more curvy frame.)
Sasuke notices Hinata's head was down. She was looking at her feet. He knew Hinata was shy. But if she walked like that, she was likely to trip on her way down that damn staircase. He personally blamed Hiashi for her lack of confidence and reminded himself to kick his ass, AFTER the Introduction.
Sasuke tilts her chin up towards him ever so slightly and met her eyes, "I don't want to see you bowing your head to these people ever again. You are worth a thousand of any of them," Sasuke says in a voice that booked no argument, though he offers a small smile.
Hinata hated how easily she blushed. She'd always been a blusher. She wasn't really sure why. It was a bit embarrassing. Ninjas were definitely not supposed to be so easily flustered. She manages a small nod of her head though and smiles back.
"Good," Sasuke takes her hand and they enter the building.
"Please don't let me fall," Hinata whispers quietly to him, when they reach the top of the stairs and could be seen by the people down below.
"Never," Sasuke says and takes her hand.
This was a more firm touch, than the one he had given at the homecoming celebration. Sasuke was trying to make a statement here. Judging by the way hundreds of lavender eyes suddenly locked onto them, mission accomplished.
The young heirs begin their slow descent down the hundreds of steps. Sasuke's grip was firm, but not crushing. With Naruto, Hinata had always been following him. She had always struggled to catch up and get his attention. But Sasuke walked by her side, never going faster or slower than her.
Mikoto was in the lobby, along with hundreds of Hyugas and other guests. The Uchiha Matriarch was standing next to her "date" for the evening Iruka. Iruka lets out a small gasp when he sees Hinata and Sasuke making a rather regal, united descent.
"I've taught them since they were children. I have to say that Sasuke is probably the most unlikely escort that I could have thought of for Hinata," Iruka murmurs to Mikoto.
"Mhm. I know. But she is good for him," Mikoto answers.
"How long have they been… together," Iruka asks.
"He claims he asked her as a friend. Shino wanted him to take Hinata," Mikoto replies.
"That is not how one walks with their friend. That's how one walks with their spouse. If they are just friends, then Kakashi is a monk," Iruka says.
Mikoto couldn't help but laugh at that last comment. She'd chosen well for her escort this evening. Every once in awhile, Iruka would get in a good zinger.
"Thank you for inviting me. I am curious as to why you didn't invite Kakashi though. From what I heard you two were getting on well," Iruka asks.
"If I brought Kakashi, the Hyugas would be uneasy. You get along well with everyone and I suppose we were long overdo for a parent teacher conference," she teases.
All of that was true of course, but not the full reason. Mikoto knew that she was well single. But she'd just been revived. She loved the playful banter with Kakashi and he was certainly attractive, but it was still a big step. She'd only ever been with her former husband.
There was also Sasuke to consider. He was perceptive and had even asked if they were a "thing." She surmised the fact that Sasuke hadn't attacked Kakashi yet, was the closest to "approval" that her son was likely to ever give. But still…
"You're worried about how Sasuke will react," Iruka says.
"That's a big part of it. I can see why you are a teacher, you are very empathetic. I'm sure that he benefited greatly from your instruction," Mikoto says and takes out a small ceremonial fan.
"You are very good at changing the subject and flattery. No wonder Hiashi is so concerned about your return. He's used to being the top gun, when it comes to clan matters," Iruka replies.
"Thank you. It does warm my heart to see the Uchiha symbol worn again, without…well blood drenching it," she says.
"Uchiha symbol? Where," Iruka asks.
"It's on the back of his formal kimono. You can't see it from here yet," she says.
"Oh now you are both just playing with fire," Iruka says.
"Of course, we are a fire clan afterall," she smiles.
"They are holding hands," Iruka says.
"And so they are. Oh how I wish I had brought a camera. I want to capture the looks on their faces," Mikoto looks around.
"You have a bit of a sadistic streak in you," Iruka says.
"What did you think the boys took after their father," Mikoto asks smugly.
Iruka wisely steps a little further away from Mikoto at this question and watches them come to the edge of the stairs. Sasuke had a flair for the dramatic, Iruka had always known this. But usually it was applied to destruction. Today that was not the case. He takes Hinata's hand and holds their hands above their heads, in a Hunger Games styled show of solidarity.
"Yes, he takes after you," Iruka rubs the back of his head, knowing that was basically the "polite" version of showing support to Hinata and flipping off her father.
"Hinata of the Hyuga Main House has come of age. Today we celebrate her birthday. Now if everyone would please proceed to the Grand Hall," says the announcer.
Hinata blushes at Sasuke's rather bold gesture. But she manages not to lower her head, as she walks alongside him. When they entered the Grand Hall, startled gasps were heard.
That's when Hinata witnessed the terrifying transformation. Gone was the "new Sasuke," (or maybe she should say the old Sasuke before the massacre). He read what was written on the wall in blood and saw the head of her fallen clansmen. The dead should stay dead. This won't be the last Hyuga to lose their head.
The was an aura of murderous rage around him, that hadn't been there only a moment before. She had to act fast, if she was going to prevent a clan feud and Sasuke from going on a rampage. Only a few days ago, she never would have dreamed she'd be brave (and suicidal) enough to do this. But she slams Sasuke onto the ground, pinning him.
"Sasuke don't do something you'll regret. We don't even know who did it," she says and tries to keep him pinned down.
Hinata knew that it didn't matter how firm a hold she had on him. This was Sasuke. She wasn't delusional enough to think that if he wanted free, he couldn't swatt her off him as easily as a fly. But she had to try.
"Hinata, get off me," Sasuke demands.
"No. I'm not going to let you do something stupid," she snaps.
Sasuke blinks. He wasn't sure what was more shocking. The fact that Hinata actually tackled him, that she wouldn't get off him, or the way she was unabashedly straddling him.
Actually, he was going with the last one. Though it was Hinata. Her concern for a friend seemed to have overridden any worries about modesty.
Hinata was having similar thoughts. She'd actually tackled him. She'd pinned a ninja, who along with Naruto had gone toe to toe with Madara. She must be out of her mind. Though it was his own damn fault! He'd said not to bow her head. She figured this still counted.
"I'll let you up, but only if you promise not to," she starts to say.
"Start a massacre and destroy the village," he asks dryly.
"I was going to say, keep calm. But yes, those would fall under that category," Hinata says determinedly.
"You realize, you wouldn't be able to restrain me, if I wasn't allowing it? You know that you don't actually have me pinned," Sasuke says.
"Doesn't matter. I'm not going to let you throw everything away, without a fight. You are my friend," Hinata says.
Sasuke smiles and gently touches her cheek, "I won't kill anyone until I know who is responsible for this. I'm sorry your Introduction was ruined."
"It wasn't ruined. It was a very nice… five minutes or so," Hinata says.
"You really are one of those glass half full type of people, aren't you," Sasuke muses.
She was trying to help him. Hinata was worried about him. She'd said he was her FRIEND. Well he'd better get out from under her soon. Sasuke had been through A LOT in his young life, but he was still a teenage boy. And well, when a straight teenage boy had a beautiful girl straddling him, certain physical responses couldn't be helped. That didn't mean he was going to sully the purity of his new friendship with Hinata, by letting her notice THAT.
"Yes. Do you promise, you won't fly off the handle," she looks at him, for any signs of dishonesty.
"Not until I get all the facts anyway," Sasuke promises and Hinata got off him.
Mikoto rushes over and soon joins her son's side. Both Uchihas were thinking the same thing. It had happened in the Hyuga lands. Logically, the Hyuga clan would normally be suspect. But there was the severed head of one of their clan members. So that ruled them out. (Unless they were REALLY trying to do a thorough job of covering their tracks. Hyugas had for the most part treated branch members as disposable.)
Hiashi's voice booms over the room, "EVERYONE WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE HYUGA OR UCHIHA CLAN, OUT NOW."
There were some things that you just didn't argue with. Hiashi's thundering voice, was one of them. Dozens of people rush off, trying to get out of there. Plus, the killer could still be in the room. No one wanted to stay.
Iruka gives Mikoto a sympathetic look and gently places his hand on her shoulder, "I am so sorry."
"It will be alright. Thank you my friend. Perhaps you should go notify Lady Tsunade about this," Mikoto says.
Iruka nods and races off. If there was one thing the Chounin was, it was dependable. Mikoto was certain he'd deliver the message to Tsunade.
"I assure you I had nothing to do with this," Hiashi says.
"You'll forgive us if we are skeptical of that claim," says Mikoto.
"Why would I have a member of my own clan slaughtered," Hiashi demands.
"It'd certainly throw people off the trail," Mikoto counters.
"How dare you?! We may have our differences, but none so wide that I would throw away a clansmen's life just to scare you," Hiashi growls.
"Hiashi shut up. The only reason you are still standing is because Hinata made me promise not to start killing, until we figure out who is responsible for this," Sasuke twitches.
There was no way he was going to let the Hyuga Patriarch speak to his mother like that. Normally, Sasuke would cut him some slack. A family member had been killed. But he could see the seal on that Hyuga's head. They'd been a branch member. He wasn't even sure if Hiashi would mourn them.
She would though. Hinata was different than her father. Sasuke figured Hinata must have taken after her mother. He saw no resemblance between Hiashi and Hinata.
"Are you threatening me, you insolent whelp," Hiashi glares daggers at Sasuke.
"It's not a threat. It's a promise. If I find out you had anything to do with this, I will kill you," Sasuke says.
"SASUKE! FATHER! Stop this! This is what the killer wants. They want us to be fighting. It makes us easier targets," Hinata says.
Sasuke mentally kicks himself. He'd promised her that he wouldn't go on a rampage. He was many things. A liar wasn't one of them. That and for some reason, it hurt him, to know that he was the one hurting her. Guilt wasn't an emotion he felt often, but when he did… boy was it a bitch.
He offers her an apologetic smile. It was a small one. He hadn't meant anyone else to see it. Hiashi did though. For the moment, the older ninja kept this troubling development to himself. He had a dead clan member to deal with. That took priority over whatever bizarre hold the Uchiha was starting to have over his daughter for now. He'd deal with it later.
"Sorry Hinata," He murmurs lowly enough that only she could hear.
"I've already sent Iruka to alert the Lady Hokage about the situation," Mikoto says.
"That's the first helpful thing, you've done all night," Hiashi quips.
Sasuke twitches, "Don't push me. I won't tolerate you disrespecting my mother."
"Father please," Hinata pleads.
"Very well. This is not productive in any case," Hiashi says.
A Few Minutes Later
Kakashi and Tsunade arrive. Tsunade walks over to the wall and starts taking pictures for the Intelligence Unit. Kakashi steps between Sasuke and Hiashi. He recognized that slight twitching Sasuke was exhibiting. It was the same thing he did before, he had a go at Naruto. The Leaf did not need two feuding Clan Patriarchs.
"Well someone is definitely threatening or at least trying to scare everyone. I think that it's someone who wants a fight between the Hyugas and Uchihas. Why else make this reference AND kill a Hyuga? If it was merely about Mikoto being revived, there was no reason to kill a Hyuga," Kakashi says.
"That or someone who wants us to think that," Sasuke gives Hiashi a suspicious look."
"It's possible. Shame about the party being crashed and I am sorry for your loss, of course," He looks at Hinata sympathetically.
"Thank you Kakashi," Hinata answers.
It wasn't lost on Kakashi, that somehow Sasuke had not yet gone on a rampage. The way he was standing close by Hinata, suggested the shy Hyuga heiress had something to do with it. Perhaps it was an actual date afterall.
"The blood is fresh. This must have been done within the last day or so," Tsunade says.
Hinata bites her lower lip, "Either it was a clan member or someone who was familiar enough with our habits that they were able to get in and out without being seen."
Both ideas were equally unsettling to Sasuke. There could be a murderer running around in Hinata's home for all he knew. Said murderer had also threatened his mother. They were going to pay. His Sharingan activates unconsciously.
"Yes, that is troubling. Well Sasuke and Mikoto, I don't think it's a safe idea for you to stay in the Uchiha District as it stands. We'll have to make other arrangements," Kakashi says.
"Of course," Mikoto says.
"Mikoto, Sasuke, and Kakashi head to my office. We'll discuss arrangements there. I'll get a team of analysts on this. Hiashi, I suggest you watch your clan carefully and report any suspicious behavior. I could assign some ANBU members to your lands, if you wish," Tsunade says.
"If ANBUs show up in our estate, our clan members will be uneasy. They will know that we think it is possible that one of our own is a traitor. That would tip them off. As much as the extra protection would be advantageous, it is not prudent at this time, Lady Hokage," Hiashi answers.
"Maybe Hinata should come with us. Whoever this killer is, saw us go to her Introduction together. She might be a target," Sasuke says.
"Hinata stays with her clan. We can protect her," Hiashi says.
"Protect her, huh? Like you protected him," Sasuke points his thumb at the dead Hyuga.
"We weren't aware of the threat at the time. We will be on guard now," Hiashi says.
"I'm sure he finds that very reassuring. Hinata is a Main House member. She's got free will. She can come and go as she pleases. If she wants to come with us, you can't force her to stay," Sasuke growls at him.
Hinata blinks. Sasuke and her father were really going at it. He actually wanted her to go with him? Not only that he was willing to argue with another clan head, over it? It was flattering in a way, even if uncomfortable to be put in the middle of it.
"If you two are done measuring your dicks, it's Hinata's decision. Though Sasuke has a point. They were seen together. If they are targeting Sasuke's mother, it makes sense they'd be interested in his movements and associations as well. "
Hinata blushes deeply at what Hokage said about the measuring contest. She looks between Sasuke, her father, and then at Tsunade a bit helplessly. Her father would be angry, if she took the Uchiha's offer. But it'd certainly be safer.
"Father, I think it'd be best, if I went with them. I'm likely a target now and there will be less of a chance for the killer to have access to me. You can tell our clan that you sent me off on a mission, as a safety measure. It will throw the killer off our trail," she says.
Kakashi honestly felt like clapping. This was a big step for the shy ninja. To his knowledge, she'd never gone against her Clan Head's wishes. But he knew better than to actually clap.
Sasuke's first instinct was to grab Hinata and twirl her around, in a celebratory gesture. He knew better than to do this though. At some point, she'd go back to living with her father. The guy was already enough of a prick, without Sasuke adding salt to the wounds. (No matter how tempting it was.)
He couldn't hide his smile though. Shit judging by Kakashi's expression he saw that. Oh well, he'd just tell Kakashi if he said anything about it, he would tell his mother about Kakashi's taste for erotic literature. That ought to shut him up.
He of course didn't realize that Mikoto would know what those orange books were about. She had received a few as birthday gifts. Mikoto was best friends with Kushina. Kushina was married to Minato. Minato was Jirayia's former student. Well you can see where this was going.
"Very well, Hinata. We shall have a discussion after this is all over about the proper role of Clan Heads. If you are going to take over for me one day, you will need to understand a few things," Hiashi says.
Sasuke at this point was rather tempted to just flip Hiashi off. It took all his ninja training not to do so. Kakashi seemed to sense this as he grabs Sasuke's hand in a, Don't do it gesture.
"Yes, father," Hinata says.
"Right… Sasuke, Hinata, Mikoto, and Kakashi come on. Let's go," Tsunade starts off.
Mikoto and Kakashi follow suit, walking side by side. Unconsciously, Hinata and Sasuke mimicked their elders. Fortunately, it was late enough and most of the party goers had already fled, that there were only a handful of people out walking the street to witness this strange procession.
Once inside Tsunade's office, the Hokage sits down. She gestures for the rest of the group to do the same. She didn't even know where to start with this one.
"The Uchiha district is obviously out, as is the Hyuga Estate. We need somewhere unexpected. There is every possibility that you are all being watched and we need to operate under that assumption," Tsunade begins.
"My father had a second house at the edge of the village. It's still usable. I doubt anyone even knows it's there," Kakashi offers.
"Usually a man asks me to dinner first, before asking me to move in," Mikoto says cheekily.
"You are right. That was very ungentlemanly of me. I'll cook us all dinner when we get there," Kakashi offers.
"… You can cook," Sasuke decides for his sanity to block out the first part of that conversation.
"Well I'm no chef, but it's edible," Kakashi offers.
"Deal," Sasuke says.
"Is it big enough for all four of us and Snowball," Mikoto asks.
"Well it's technically two bedroom. Though I'm sure the living room and training room can be used as a bedroom easily enough. Just toss in the beds," Kakashi says cheerfully.
"Do you think it will work? Won't they find out where we are," Hinata asks.
"They might or we will find them first. Either way, it won't end well for them," Sasuke answers.
"I'll leave some of your clothes here for someone to pick up. It's too risky sending you back to your homes to grab your belongings," Tsunade states.
A Short While Later at Kakashi's Place
"This will do nicely. I'm surprised I never noticed this place," Mikoto says.
"Glad you like it. Well I guess it doesn't matter who takes what room," Kakashi says.
"I'll take the living room," Sasuke says. He figures if someone tried attacking, that's where they would walk through first.
"I'll take the training room. That way you two can have the bedrooms. It's your home Kakashi and Mikoto after the scare you had tonight, the least I can do is give a real bedroom," Hinata says.
"You are very sweet Hinata. But I really don't mind," Mikoto starts.
"No, I'm happy with the training room," Hinata smiles.
Kakashi chuckles, "She's becoming more assertive. Well that's all settled. Sasuke, you want to help me get the rooms set up," Kakashi asked.
Sasuke gives a graceful shrug of his shoulders. He followed his former Sensai into one of the storage rooms. He probably should have suspected that Kakashi was going to call him out on the smiling thing.
"I'm sorry about what happened tonight. You've both been through so much already. That and things seemed to finally be looking up for you. Also, I'm relieved to see you finally expressing an interest in someone. I'm rather shocked that it's Hinata. Though they do say opposites attract," Kakashi says conversationally.
"… You think that Hinata and I," he starts to stay.
"Together? No, not yet. But you were willing to butt heads with another Clan Head to assure her safety. You took her to the Introduction. You danced with her at the celebration. You're better with her Sasuke. I've seen you laugh and smile. She's good for you," Kakashi says.
"Let me get this straight, a 31 year old bachelor is giving me love advice," Sasuke raises an eyebrow.
Kakashi places his hand over his heart, "You wound me Sasuke. Just because I've never been married, doesn't mean I don't have experience with the fairer sex."
"I don't want to hear about your experiences, you pervert," Sasuke scoffs.
"That isn't' what I meant. But since you brought it up. As we discussed earlier, if you have any questions, I want you to know my door is always open," he says.
"I don't have any questions. I will NEVER have any questions. And I don't know what is going on with you and my mother, but if you hurt her, I will slit your throat," Sasuke threatens.
"I'd expect no less. Well if you are sure, you know I have quite the collection. The Sharingan, has multiple uses. It doesn't just copy battle moves. It's important to know how to please your partner, whether that is Hinata or someone else," he smiles behind his mask.
"… YOU DAMN FUCKING PERVERT," Sasuke twitches.
With Mikoto and Hinata
Hinata blinks, "Should we go make sure they are alright," she asks when she hears Sasuke yell at Kakashi.
"No. No. It's just some male bonding. It's best to just let them sort it out. Besides, I imagine you'll want to get out of that dress. I'm sure that there must be something you can throw on here," Mikoto answers.
"Why do men always bond through violence, insults, and yelling," Hinata wonders.
"My dear, there are some things that we will never know the answer to," Mikoto looks around and finds some of Kakashi's old shirts.
"Try this on. I doubt he'll mind," she smiles.
Hinata nods and heads into the bathroom. She comes out wearing a long sleeved gray t shirt, that thankfully goes to her knees. Mikoto nods approvingly and dons a similar, the blue version. She was a little taller than Hinata, so it came an inch or two above her knees.
"It'll have to do for now," she says.
"Well at least it's comfortable," Hinata smiles.
" I want to thank you. For obvious reasons, my son hasn't had a lot of friends. You make him happy and… apparently aren't afraid to tackle his ass, when he needs some sense knocked into him," she smiles serenely.
Hinata blushes deeply, "I I… didn't want anyone to get hurt. I know it was stupid to do that. But I didn't have time to think."
"It was the right decision. Sasuke needs people in his life who aren't afraid of him. It will make him feel normal. When he's around you, I see the man he could have been. I see the man he can still be. His father always had trouble dropping his guard. Sasuke used to be much more open. You help him get back to that in a way, not even Naruto has been able to accomplish," she says.
"Thank you Mikoto," Hinata starts, only to be interrupted by Kakashi walking in.
"Well we have the rooms set and Sasuke didn't set the house on fire. I consider this great progress. I should really look into fire insurance," Kakashi rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Snowball wanders into the room. Hinata smiles and tries to coax the cat to come to her. Snowball, always one to enjoy attention trots over and is all too happy to be picked up by the Hyuga heiress. She snuggles him into her chest, "Aren't you a handsome cat and so friendly," she smiles.
"… Even the cat is a pervert," Sasuke smacks his forehead.
Hinata blinks and looks confused, "What do you mean," she asks.
"He's a ninja cat," Sasuke explains.
Hinata blushes scarlet and sets Snowball down, "Oh."
"Well you can't blame him. At least he has good taste," Kakashi teases and gives Sasuke a look like, bet you wish you were able to do that.
Sasuke gives Kakashi a scowl. He walks over to Hinata. He didn't know why but for some reason the sight of her in nothing but the oversized shirt, was effecting him almost as much as her straddling his lap.
It wasn't that Sasuke was asexual. He was just very focused. Killing Itachi took priority over everything else. That drive made it easy to ignore things like hormones. So in a way, he'd subconsciously hit the OFF button his hormones. After the lap straddling incident though, said hormones were now fully back ON. It was just his luck, that the first girl that DIDN'T annoy him, that he found attractive, was in love with his best friend.
"Come on, I'll show you the training room. Well your bedroom for now," he takes her hand and leads her off.
"Kakashi, what did you say to my son to make him yell that you were a pervert," Mikoto asks.
"Oh you know, guy stuff," he nods sagely.
"Uh huh. Care to elaborate," she says.
"I was just reaffirming that should he have any questions about relationships, I would be more than happy to answer them," Kakashi nods.
"Mhm. That's all," she demands.
"I may have indicated that the Sharingan is a wonderful educational tool in this regard," he answers.
"I'm almost afraid to ask, but go on," she says.
"I don't think it is proper. You are his mother. If he knows, I tell you what we talk about, well then he'll lose trust in me," Kakashi counters.
"He yelled that you were a pervert. My son is not an idiot. He's going to assume I asked and that you told me," was her rebuttal.
"… Fair point. Well the Sharingan not only can copy battle techniques but more… carnal ones. It is a fine way to pick up various tricks to spice up one's love life," he answers.
"….," Mikoto responds.
Kakashi at this point, wondered if he had gone too far. Mikoto in the short time since her revival, had seemed rather playful. She'd even gone so far as to give Sasuke a mock "The Talk," with him. But maybe he'd offended her by using her family's bloodline for less than… professional purposes.
"Oh that's brilliant. Why didn't I think of that," Mikoto says.
It was at that moment, that Kakashi knew that he was fucked. A beautiful, intelligent, strong female ninja, AND she appreciated his ability to adapt the Sharingan to areas outside the battlefield. There was just one problem. She was his former student's mother.
Well that and he wasn't really sure if she was available at all. She was a married woman. Though Sasuke's father was dead. Well he was dead dead. He wasn't going to be revived, like his former wife. So maybe that just meant she was a widow? He'd died ten years ago. So it's not like he was taking advantage of a grieving widow, right?
